06-20-2023 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION May 15, 2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. Bollis said it is a conforming subdivision so he doesn't see any reason not to support it. Whether or not there was proper legal notice is a matter for staff and the attorney, he said, adding that the Planning Commission can only vote on the plan it sees in front of it. Erickson said the plan not only complies with but exceeds the minimum standards for lot size. He said it's an excellent plan in a neighborhood where there are larger parcels to the west and smaller to the east. These are in-between size so a good transition that fits the character to neighborhood, he said. Libby moved, Erickson seconded, to approve LA23-000011 Matthew and Susanne Johnson, 1015 Wildhurst Trail, Subdivision/Preliminary Plat. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0. 3. LA23-000020 JAMIE GRANT, 3020 CASCO POINT ROAD, REQUESTS A VARIANCE FROM LAKE AND FRONT YARD SETBACKS. City Planner Nye gave a presentation on the item, stating the applicant is requesting a variance from average lakeshore setback to expand the deck on the lake side of the home. Currently the home has a non- conforming deck and the owners would like to expand the deck to make it more usable and functional. The deck is proposed to be expanded by approximately 205 square feet and will be about seven feet closer to the lake. The deck meets all other setbacks including the 75 foot setback and is within hardcover. It is positioned in such a way that it does not impact lake views for the neighbors, Nye said. There is a dense row of evergreens between the deck and the north neighbor. Staff is in agreement and Nye said they have recommended approval in the past when the proposal does not disrupt the view of neighbors and is not within the 75 -foot setback. No public comment was received. Alex Grant, 3020 Casco Point Road, said the family just wants to extend the deck to have more space. She said large trees keep their deck from the view of neighbors. The existing patio underneath the deck needs to be replaced but expansion of the deck would give more protection. She added, her father is often in a wheelchair and the expansion would help with his mobility issues. They have the approval of both neighbors. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:26 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:26 p.m. Ressler noted the neighborhood goes out to a lagoon rather than the full -on lake and the neighbors are not opposed. For those reasons and with staff support, he would support the application. McCutcheon said the intent of the ordinance is to protect the view of lake for the neighbors. The deck is not within setback, the neighbors are in support and the plan does not take down any existing trees. He said the intent of ordinance is there and this is not a big ask. Kirchner mentioned the trees in between the properties are massive. Kraemer moved, Kirchner seconded, to approve LA23-000020 Jamie Grant, 3020 Casco Point Road, Variance from Lake and Front Yard Setbacks. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0. Page 3 of 5